Tackling the cooker isn’t anyone’s idea of “fun time”. Regardless of that, it must be done, but did you know that if you use the right hacks, you could make this task a breeze?
That’s where steam cleaning comes in. It’s a great way to loosen and then get rid of any tough grime and food bits without resorting to harsh chemicals. Plus, it’s easy to do and saves you time and effort compared to scrubbing the old-fashioned way.
Here’s everything you need to know about abit in 5 easy steps.
#1 – Gather Your Supplies
First, make sure you have everything you need. That includes water, vinegar, baking soda, and a spray bottle to whip up a great cleaning mix.
Regarding tools, microfiber cloths are a great pick here since they clean surfaces without scratching them. Alternatively, you might also go for a non-scratch sponge to keep the oven’s insides safe.
A big oven-safe bowl helps catch drips and keeps things neat. If your skin’s sensitive, it’s a good precaution to wear gloves when using vinegar.
Distilled water works well, too, as it avoids leaving mineral deposits, which cause unsightly streaks. Lastly, don’t forget to check your oven’s manual for any special cleaning tips or rules. Having everything ready before you start is what makes the job a breeze.
#2 – Prepare the Oven
First thing you need to do is to take out the oven racks and anything else inside so you can get to all the nooks and crannies. Put a towel on the floor under the oven to catch any spills and keep things tidy.
Then wipe the inside with a dry cloth to get rid of loose crumbs. They’ll just get in the way. Make sure the oven’s turned off from the outlet, just to be safe, and that it’s cool, so you don’t accidentally burn yourself.
Next, check for any tough, burnt-on spots that might need a bit of extra work before you start the steaming process. Also, check that the oven door seal is good, as it’s important for keeping steam inside.
While doing this, it’s recommended you keep the door slightly open so steam can escape smoothly. Keep all your cleaning agents close by to make everything go smoothly.
#3 – Steam the Oven
Just pop the bowl with water and vinegar on the bottom rack and let the steam work its magic on the grime. Leave it for about half an hour, but keep an eye on it so the water doesn’t evaporate.
You can steam the oven racks at the same time for a full clean. Once you’re done, switch off the oven and let it cool down a bit to avoid getting burnt. Make sure your kitchen’s got some fresh air going to clear out the extra moisture.
Be careful when checking inside to dodge any steam burns, and then you’ll be ready to get your oven shining again.
#4 – Wipe Down the Interior
After you’ve steamed the oven, grab a damp cloth and wipe it down from top to bottom. This way, you won’t just move dirt around but actually remove it effectively. For tough spots, use a soft sponge so you don’t scratch anything.
Rinse your microfibre cloth often to really clear away the dirt and cleaner. Don’t forget the door and edges–you don’t want any gunk left behind. Take your time and make sure everything’s wiped clean, but don’t use too much water. You don’t want it to mess with the oven’s parts.
Leave the door open for a bit afterwards to let it dry completely.
#5 – Use a Do-It-Yourself Cleaner For Really Tough Grime
If a lot of time has passed since your last deep clean and your oven’s really dirty, you can follow up with a DIY cleaning solution. Start by filling a reusable spray bottle with equal parts water and vinegar. Vinegar has natural acidity that cuts through grease and grime with ease.
If there’s any mix left after, pop a label on the bottle so you’ll know what’s in it next time and store it somewhere cool. It’s best not to mix this solution with other cleaners and use it as a stand-alone cleaner.
Once again, open a window or two to keep your kitchen fresh and breezy. It will help combat any strong smells from the cleaner. Then, grab your trusty mix of water and vinegar and give the inside of your oven a good spray. Just be careful to steer clear of the heating elements.
Let it sit for at least 15-30 minutes so the mixture can work its magic. While you wait, use a sponge or cloth to spread it evenly. For tight corners where grime might be hiding, an old toothbrush can be really useful.
That’s it, you should be able to complete the job and clean up even the toughest grime this way. If it doesn’t do the trick, and it’s been too long since your last deep clean, it’s best to call an oven cleaning specialist to restore your appliance properly.
Final Touches
Start by letting the oven trays air-dry on a clean tea towel. Before popping them back in, have a quick check inside the oven for any spots you might’ve missed and give the door a good wipe until it shines.
Ensure all parts are completely dry to avoid any mould issues and carefully reassemble your oven. That’s it. You now know how to steam clean your oven. All that’s left is to do it on a regular basis to keep the cooker gleaming.
Conclusion
As you can see, a few things can match the power of steam. It saves you tons of time and effort and doesn’t cause any damage to the environment, unlike when resorting to harsh chemical cleaners.
Your oven is now clean, and you are ready for your next culinary adventure. Bon apetit!
